Europe is filled with bright ideas and innovative potential. However, efforts for transforming these resources into new products and services could be enhanced.

Regarding the key role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as an important driving force for innovations, there is an explicit need to improve ICT technology transfer in order to close the commercialisation gap and to successfully turn excellent research results into marketable products. Therefore, the European FITT project has developed a practical toolbox for technology transfer officers to finally unleash Europe’s innovation potential.

25 May 2010: Research is essential for ensuring sustainable economic growth and social welfare. Especially ICT research increases productivity, realises innovative solutions and strengthens Europe’s competitiveness. In addition, ICT applications allow us to adjust to the emerging challenges in the global context. The good news here is: In research, Europe is strong. However, a significant gap between Europe’s excellent research findings and their economic implementation remains.

In order to improve technology transfer between research and economy and to support the commercialisation of Europe’s ICT research results, the FITT project has developed a unique package of tools and services. In the FITT Toolbox seven European transfer experts have codified their practices and condensed their experience. It is now available at FITT-For-Innovation.eu.

Providing a collection of instruments, the FITT Toolbox offers practical help for technology transfer officers and their day-to-day work. It focuses on the five core topics of technology transfer and includes an overview on each topic which is enriched by best-practices, case studies, instruments, external sources and articles:

Opportunity IdentificationIP ManagementHuman Resources ManagementValue CreationNetworking & ClusteringDue to its modular structure, the FITT Toolbox offers tailored material according to the users’ need and is flexible adoptable for other European regions.

Moreover, the FITT Toolbox is going to be complemented by four additional services:

- The Community of Practice “ICT TechTransfer” connects professionals in the area of ICT technology transfer on LinkedIN and fosters exchange among practitioners.

- The Recommended Background Bibliography provides a collection of “must-reads” focusing on all aspects of technology transfer.

- The Transnational Training Programme offers a personalised service for technology transfer practitioners meeting their special training needs (available soon).

- The White Book contains recommendations for policy makers to push forward actions in order to improve the framework conditions of ICT innovations (available soon).

The complete FITT package will be available at FITT-For-Innovation.eu – for more information, contact the FITT communication officer or join the LinkedIN Group “ICT TechTransfer”.

FITT Communication Officer

Susanne JehleProject Manager European Creative Industries / Start-up SupportMFG Baden-Württemberg mbHInnovation Agency for ICT and MediaPhone: 0711-90715-366Email: jehle@mfg.deAbout FITTThe FITT project (Fostering interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer), co-funded by the European Union (Interreg IVB NWE), is closing the gap between ICT research and the market. The project brings together seven renowned technology transfer experts from five European countries to collaboratively improve commercialisation of Europe’s best research results and to maximise their exploitation for social and economic prosperity. The FITT consortium consists of CRP Henri Tudor, MFG Baden-Württemberg mbH, INRIA, DIGITEO, IBBT, LIEU and ICBS. FITT started in June 2008 with duration of three years.

About MFG

MFG Baden-Württemberg is one of Europe’s leading Public Innovation Agency for ICT (Information and communication technologies) and Media with its main focuses on ICT, software and creative industries. Based in Germany's South-West federal state of Baden –Württemberg, the MFG delivers targeted services in the field of innovation management and technology relations.

More than 50 highly qualified staff at the Stuttgart Bosch-Areal are annually controlling over 30 projects for promoting innovation and technology transfer, clusters and network management as well as site development and marketing with a project volume of nearly 10 million Euros. Clients are the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, ministries, the EU, universities, research institutions and companies. With its ISO 9001-certified technology services and a database with 100,000 documented contacts in technology relations, the MFG ranks internationally as a pioneer of systemic developments in public-private partnerships.

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